The Armor of God | Belt of Truth, Shoes of the Gospel, Day 3

These five devotions were written for Helping Hands Camp 2014. This is a faith based youth camp that allows youth to provide services and fulfill clean up and construction projects for those in the community that are unable to do so. 

Theme: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 

Our anchor verse is based of the entire passage from Ephesians 6:10-17. Each daily devotion is based off of that verse.

[NIV Translation, Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Belt of Truth, Shoes of the Gospel

[14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.]

In the world a belt and shoes might be labeled as accessories. You might not need either to complete your outfit but having the “right ones’ can make or break your look.

If you stop to consider when you put those items on, their role might make you reconsider their value in your own spiritual attire. You may not wear a belt or shoes when you’re lounging around the house. Most often they are only added when you are walking out of the door.

Putting on the shoes of the gospel means that you are READY to spread the word, READY to jump in, READY to help and READY to move for a cause.

Wearing a belt ensures that you have a place to put your tools, so that they are with you at all times. You are ready to go to work in the Kingdom of God and you are prepared for the tasks ahead.

You might already have on the helmet and breast plate. Your sword might even be sharpened; but you won’t likely use any of those things until you’ve decided that it’s time to go to work.

Think About It

1. Are you available for God’s work? Do you include God in your conversations and look for opportunities to help others? 

2. Many people won’t leave home without certain things; cell phones, keys, lipstick are some examples. Is there a place on your tool belt for your bible and prayer life or are they tools that you often leave without?

3. Try some shoes on? Consider what questions someone might ask you about your faith and find those answers. The more comfortable you are practicing what you might say, the more comfortable and likely you will be to start talking in real scenarios.